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When it comes to military computing, it’s not enough to say
your mobile PC solution can protect troops – and data –deployed in response to
real-world conflicts. They already face an infinite number of threats from
unknown terrain, and unpredictable enemies. Even during training exercises,
reconnaissance missions, and routine peace-keeping operations, challenges can
arise that require real-time data access to make informed decisions, receive
vital intelligence, and initiate fast, coordinated action. Deploying mobile PC
devices that aren’t truly impervious to the harmful effects of unavoidable
environmental elements – such as fine sand particles or extreme temperatures – will
only further threaten the safety and security of your troops and the nations
they’re trying to protect.

As my colleague Bob Ashenbrenner has addressed before,
not all rugged tablets are rugged. Or genuinely rugged, I should say. Even some military-grade mobile PCs that claim
to be MIL-STD-810G, IP65 or IP67 compliant are only designed to, built to, or tested
to certain thresholds. Though standardized ratings systems exist to define safe
usage parameters for rugged tablet PCs in military environments, test results –
and spec sheets –
aren’t always indicative of true performance under pressure in every possible scenario.
Tests are often conducted in labs or during field tests focused on measuring
single stressors, and sometimes it’s just impossible to predict how corrosive
Middle East sand can be on a mobile PC until it’s in the field for days on end.

Plus, not all ratings systems require third-party validation
like C1D2/C1Z2 or ATEX Hazardous Location certifications. It’s very easy to
trust a rugged tablet’s specifications on paper if all minimum criteria boxes
are checked. It’s also easy to default to the device with the lowest pre-negotiated
contract price, or the manufacturer with a big, recognizable brand, if limited
resources restrict extensive market research efforts. In fact, many armed forces organizations
inadvertently add to their troops’ anxiety by arming them with consumer-grade
mobile devices that were never truly intended for military installations, much
less the battlespace. While such devices offer familiar end-user experiences
that allow for seemingly faster integration into theatre operations, fast
failure ultimately disqualifies most as viable candidates for military use.

Even “big” manufacturers touting military-grade rugged
tablets and laptops can fall short on delivering devices capable of running at
full speed in extreme operating temperatures. Not all MIL-STD-810G and
IP65/IP67 rated rugged mobile PCs are offering genuine protection against the
blatant hazards of modern warfare. They can’t sustain the increased ops tempo
now required in a war so dependent on reliable, real-time data on the ground,
at sea, and in the air.

To make matter worse, these large manufacturers can’t react
fast enough to correct course. It takes them months to customize a mobile PC
based on military customer feedback, if they can even make it happen at all.
That’s why manufacturers focused solely
on rugged mobility – and even more so on a single rugged PC form factor – are
now dominating the military mobile device market; they are nimble and flexible
enough to deliver individually tailored mobile solutions, without having to cut
through extensive red tape. They offer a single point of contact that’s
empowered to execute any changes necessary to fine tune the hardware and
accessories to each customer’s unique specifications. They spend time on the
ground with military customers understanding the unique challenges that emerge
every single day. As a result, they can deliver ultra-rugged, military grade
tablet PCs with extremely low failure rates. They also deliver tablets that
have the ability to be repaired in the field in the event of an unexpected
failure during mission critical operations.

And though you typically can’t select where you must conduct
military operations, you can be exceptionally selective of the “weapons” you
choose to arm your troops within the field. Data is no doubt becoming the most
effective weapon – and defense – in today’s cyber, ground, sea, and air war
strategies. That’s why military forces of all sizes embrace the
mission-critical support of emerging mobile technologies in modern warfare
strategies. But, no matter your mission – or the size of your operation – don’t
rely on military contracting officers to define your team’s mobile computing requirements.

Want to improve your operational success rate, lower your device
failure rate, and decrease the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for your military
unit’s mobile hardware, software, and accessory investments? Methodically field
test all mobile PC candidates and select a military-grade rugged tablet that’s
unequivocally proven its ability to survive any and all threats incurred during
planned and unplanned missions.
These rugged tablets will provide:

All day battery life through a combination of
20+ hour hot-swappable batteries, field rechargeable options, and smart charge
and discharge technology that ensures the main battery is at maximum capacity.

In-Field Serviceability (because no technology
is 100 percent guaranteed against the possibility of failure, and troops need
fast fix options in the most remote field locations)

Multiple USB ports for easy plug-in of keyboards
and other peripherals at otherwise disconnected FOB quarters (such as in a
tent)

A True Serial I/O port for important data
transmissions via radio technology in theatre

ATEX compliance to ensure safe use in the
vicinity of vehicle or aircraft fuel.

An automatically switching screen that supports
data input by stylus or hand (finger and military glove touch) while deployed in
theatre.

Display screens that remain useable when wet.

MIL-STD-461 certification for EMC sensitive
areas.

Remember: Selecting a mobile PC based on the product spec
summary listed on a pre-negotiated contract – or even the word of a sales rep –
will not suffice for world-class military operations reliant on best-in-class
mobile technologies to:

Design and implement a field-proven, real world-ready
communications and data platform that’s compatible with other military
technology systems.

Securely transmit data that plays a definitive
role in mission success.

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